Lego finally ends all business with Russia and fires all employees there

Created: 07/12/2022, 17:54

By: Lisa Mayerhofer

Popular toy maker Lego is suspending operations in Russia due to "extensive disruptions".

(Iconic image) © Sebastian Gollnow/dpa/Illustration

Popular toy maker Lego is shutting down operations in Russia due to "widespread disruption" and laying off all its employees there.

Billund – The toy manufacturer Lego cuts all ties to Russia: The Danish company ends its business in Russia “indefinitely” because of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

This means the termination of the partnership with the Inventive Retail Group, which operates 81 stores in Russia, announced Lego on Tuesday.

The company stopped delivering to Russia in March, shortly after the start of the war.

Lego suspends operations in Russia due to 'extensive disruption'

"The LEGO Group has decided to indefinitely suspend commercial operations in Russia given the ongoing extensive disruptions in the operating environment," said a LEGO spokesman.

According to the Reuters news agency, this also means that the 90 Moscow-based employees will be laid off.

In Russia, a spokeswoman for Inventive Retail Group confirmed the termination of the contract with Lego.

The company will continue to act as an "expert in construction toys".

In May, Russia put Lego products on a list of goods that may be imported without the consent of the rights holder.

This list also included smartphones from Apple and Samsung, popular car brands, game consoles and important parts for various industries.

Ukraine War: Many western companies leave Russia

After many Western companies left the country after Russian troops began invading Ukraine, more and more brands are following suit: In June, the French tire manufacturer Michelin also gave up its activities in Russia.

The US sporting goods manufacturer Nike also left Russia for good after closing its stores in Russia in March.

The US group said that the branches would no longer open.

Online purchases are also no longer possible for people in Russia.